Lankan military to be modernised with Indian help: Sri Lankan PM

Sri Lanka's military is set to be modernised with assistance from militarily advanced nations such as India, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's military is set to be modernised with assistance from militarily advanced nations such as India, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said today.

Wickremesinghe was addressing a military passing out parade in the central town of Diyathalawa.

"In Asia only the armies of India and Japan are older than our Army," Wickremesinghe said.

"It is important to maintain defence ties with militarily advanced nations such as the US and Britain. India, China and Pakistan are also important," he said.

He said the Sri Lankan Army needs to be educated on future warfare to become a modernised army by 2025.

"The army fought a war for over 30 years and they deserve all the credit," Wickremesinghe said adding that politicians must not try to build their images through military victories, a reference to former president Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Rajapaksa, under whom Sri Lanka defeated the LTTE after a 30-year civil war, was criticised for using the military victory for his personal political gains.

Wickremesinghe's comments came as Britain announced last month an assistance package for Sri Lankan military reform.

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US-origin M777 howitzers to add fire power to Indian Army

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US-origin M777 howitzers

14 May, 2015

ET Bureau & Agencies

In what will be a major fillip to the private defence manufacturing sector, the government has cleared three 'Make in India' contracts worth $3.4 billion, including a project to procure US-origin M777 artillery guns.

India's Ordnance Factory Board has already developed the electronically upgraded desi version of the original Swedish 155mm Bofors howitzer, and the guns are currently at the trial stage. DRDO is also developing an advanced all-electric gun system.

We take a look at the M777 artillery guns that India is looking to procure:

BAE Systems photo

Could be partly made locally

14 May, 2015

The ultra-light howitzers could be partly made locally with BAE proposing to set up a production unit here in partnership with a private firm.

In the race for this $700-million deal are Mahindra, L&T and Tata, who can get a share in the ammunition, spares and maintenance of the guns.

US Army Photo provided by BAE Systems

First considered in 2008

14 May, 2015

BAE spokesperson told ET that AIT facility is an integral part of its proposal and the company will now proceed with choosing its local partners.

BAE's howitzer was first considered in 2008 by the UPA regime but the idea was buried in 2013 thanks to differences over price and offset commitments.

US Army Photo provided by BAE Systems

145 ultralight howitzers

14 May, 2015

The army, which is in dire need of new artillery guns, has requested an initial quantity of 145 ultralight howitzers — a number that could increase.

US Army Photo provided by BAE Systems

39 caliber towed gun

14 May, 2015

M777 is a 155mm 39 caliber towed gun. According to BAE, the weapon can strike over extended distances, regardless of terrain.